Frame for a wall opening and methods of assembly and use

ABSTRACT

A frame is formed of side walls that are extruded from vinyl. The side walls have interior channels. The side walls may be formed to effect a female-male connection between the ends of two adjoining side walls. Alternatively a locking member is provided that is sized to frictionally engage a selected channel. The side walls have a concrete retention fin positioned to extend away from the outer wall of the side wall to interconnect with the concrete as the and after the concrete cures. The frame may be formed into door jambs, doors, and the like. The frame may also be a window buck that may be formed into selected geometric shapes. Window bucks of different dimensions may be assembled on site by sawing.

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 08/857,132 filed May 15, 1997 which is now U.S. Pat. No.5,996,293 and which is a continuation of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 60/026,493 filed Sep. 20, 1996.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to frames used for forming an opening in astructure wall such as a poured concrete wall and a structure wallformed with an insulated concrete form.

2. State of the Art

When constructing a building, it is frequently desirable to position awindow, door, garage door, or other opening, in a structure wall such asa poured concrete wall or in a wall made from concrete using aninsulated concrete form. Procedures for forming an opening have includedmanufacturing a frame from wood and positioning the frame within a pairof forms used for forming a concrete wall or insulated concrete formsused for forming an insulated concrete wall. Typically, the frame ispositioned between the pair of forms after which the concrete is pouredinto the form and about the frame. Therefore, the desired opening isdefined in the wall when the concrete hardens or cures. Thereafter, thewindow form has been removed and replaced with structure that is used tosize the opening and to provide structure for receiving and attachingthe window unit itself.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,430,831 discloses a window buck formed of a series ofsides or channels joined together with nails in an end-to-endrelationship to define a rectangular opening. The window buck is awindow form which is assembled and positioned so that concrete may bepoured around it. U.S. Pat. No. 4,589,624 (Jones) also shows a windowbuck which is provided for forming a window opening in a cast concretewall. The buck is removable after the concrete wall is formed in orderto proceed with further installation of a window.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,169,544 (Stanfill et al.) also describes a buck for usein construction. The buck has internal bracing so that it does notdeform or change dimension when the concrete wall is poured about it.

In order to facilitate construction, it would be desirable to have aframe such as and including a window buck which can be easily assembledon site and which thereafter can be installed and remain in place. Theframe would preferably be one that is easily sized and shaped and alsowhich is formed to receive a finished insert such as a door or windowafter the concrete wall has been poured and cured. It would also bedesirable to have a frame that could be used with insulated concreteforms.

SUMMARY

A frame for forming an opening in a structure wall includes side membermeans assembled to define the opening. The side member means is formedto have a perimeter and a width. The width is substantially the width ofthe structure wall into which the frame is to be placed. That is, whenthe assembly is complete and the wall formed, the frame is approximatelycoextensive with the wall in width. In a preferred arrangement the framehas flanges that embrace or contain the wall there between.

The side member means has an inner wall facing toward the interior ofthe opening and an outer wall spaced away from the interior wall and theopening. A plurality of internal channels are formed between the innerwall and the outer wall. Retention means is mechanically associated withthe outer wall and formed to extend away therefrom for mechanicalassociation with the structure wall. The retention means is one or moreextensions associated with and desirably unitarily formed with the theexterior wall. In a selected arrangement the retention means is a ribformed unitarily therewith. The retention means also more preferably hasa securement member proximate an outer end which may be a lip formed tobe normal to the rib.

The side member means has two ends that are formed for positioningproximate each other for interconnection to each other by connectormeans. In one embodiment the connector means has a locking member with afirst member sized and shaped for insertion into a selected one of theplurality of channels in one of the two ends. The locking member has asecond member sized and shaped for frictional insertion into andengagement with a corresponding selected one of the plurality ofchannels in the other of the two ends.

In an alternate arrangement, the side member means includes a femaleside member and a male side member. The connector means is structureformed at the ends of the female side member and the male side member toeffect a male-female connection between the ends of the female memberand said male member.

The side member means may be formed to define a circular shapedperimeter or a perimeter in a plurality of geometric shapes.

The side member means preferably includes a plurality of separate sides,each of which is formed to have two ends. Even more preferably each sidemember is each secured to its adjacent side member proximate one end ofthe adjacent side member. The connector means includes a connectorconfigured for joining the two ends of each of said four separate sides.

The opening formed by the frame may be a door opening in which the sidemembers are formed to define at least the top and the two sides of thedoor opening. The opening may be a garage door opening, a window or anyother opening to be formed in a structural wall.

In one preferred embodiment, the side member means is four separatesides assembled to define a rectilinearly shaped window buck. The windowopening has a top and a bottom; and the four separate sides include abottom side oriented toward the bottom of the window opening. The bottomside preferably includes aperture means formed therein and sized toreceive concrete therethrough.

Each of the side members includes a plurality of channels extendinglengthwise between said inner wall and said outer wall. The channels aredesirably side by side and hollow and formed to extend the length ofeach side member. The channels may be selectively filled with insulatingmaterial if desired.

In a desired embodiment, the first side member has one channel of itsplurality of channels formed to define a first opening at both of itsends. A second side member is similarly formed. The connector means islocking member which has a first member sized and shaped for insertioninto and engagement with the first opening in the first end of both thefirst side member and a second member similarly sized and shaped forinsertion into a second opening in the second member. The first memberand the second member are in a desired configuration a male structureformed for engagement with said first opening of said first side memberand a male structure for engagement with the second opening of thesecond side member.

In alternate and preferred arrangements, each channel of the pluralityof channels has a longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis of eachchannel of the plurality of channels are in alignment.

The structure wall has an interior surface and an exterior surface. Inselected configurations, the first side member and the second sidemember each have an interior flange connected to its respective outerwall. The flanges are positioned to extend away from the respective sidemember and along the interior surface of the structure wall. Similarlythe first side member and the second side member each have an exteriorflange mechanically associated with its respective outer wall. Theexterior flange is formed to extend away therefrom and substantiallyalong the exterior surface of the structure wall.

In use, side members may be cut such as by sawing on site to achieve adesired size. As a result end pieces or remnants may be available sothat a side member may be formed therefrom. That is, a side memberalternately is formed from a first section and a second section joinedto each other. Each of the first section and the second section have afirst end and a second end having at least one aperture formed therein,fastener is sized to snugly insert into the selected apertures of saidfirst section and said second section to secure said first section tosaid second section preferably in an abutting relationship and in axialalignment.

Methods of forming the frame including a window frame include forming atleast three side members from stock to a desired size. One side memberwill be formed to be the top of the frame. Two side members are alsoformed from the stock to a desired dimension. A bottom member is desiredfor a window frame. If the opening is a door or door-like opening in thestructure wall, a bottom may not be required or desired. If the openingis a window opening or a window-like opening, it may be formed frombottom stock in which the inner wall and the outer wall have aperturesformed therein to receive cement therethrough. The side members areassembled together by securing each to its adjacent side member ormembers with the connectors. The connectors have male ends sized forfrictional engagement in a selected channel formed in the side members.

Once the frame is assembled, it may be installed in the forms for theconcrete. The forms may be standard concrete wall forms or insulatedconcrete forms. Once installed, it typically is braced by attaching anangle brace at one or more selected corners of the assembled frame basedon the size of the frame. In addition, other metal or wooden braces maybe used to extend between the top and bottom side members and/or theopposite vertical side members. Bracing is provided using in aconventional manner with one metal or wooden brace being provided forapproximately every three feet of opening.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings which illustrate what are presently regarded to be thebest modes of carrying out the invention,

FIG. 1 is a window buck of the present invention with a proposed windowframe for insertion depicted in phantom;

FIG. 2 is a cross-section of a side member for use with the window buckof the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a cross section of an alternative side member for use with thewindow buck of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a locking member for use in connectingside member means of a window buck of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is an exploded, partial side view of separate side members of theside member means of a window buck of the present invention with alocking member positioned for interconnecting the illustrated separateside members;

FIG. 6 is a top view of a circular shaped window buck of the presentinvention;

FIG. 7 is a locking member for use with a window buck of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of a female side member of analternate embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view of a male side member of analternate embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a partial front view of an assembled female side member andmale side member of an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a partial side view of an alternative male member of analternate embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a partial side view of alternative tongues of a male memberof the alternative embodiment of FIG. 9 of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a partial perspective view of an alternative configuration ofa female side member of an alternative embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of side members suitable for use informing a window buck of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the side members of FIG. 14 positionedfor assembly into a window buck of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the side members of FIG. 24 assembledinto a window buck of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a simplified illustration of a saw used in the formation ofside members used with window bucks of the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a simplified perspective illustration depicting the steps forassembling a window buck of the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a perspective illustration of a window buck of the presentinvention with cross braces;

FIG. 20 is a perspective illustration of the window buck of FIG. 19 witha window frame positioned for insertion and a window well coverpositioned for attachment to the widow buck;

FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective of a preferred alternate embodimentof a frame for use in openings in a structural wall with a window andwith a partial view of an insulated concrete form,

FIGS. 22 and 23 are perspective views of a bottom side member;

FIG. 24 is a cross section of a side member for use with and in thepresent invention;

FIG. 25 is a partial perspective exploded view of two adjacent sidemembers and a connector of the invention;

FIG. 26 is a partial perspective view of two adjacent side membersconnected together and a side member in section;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a connector for use with the presentinvention;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a connector for use in connectingsections of a side member for use with the present invention;

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a window buck with corner braces;

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a corner brace for use with the presentinvention; and

FIGS. 31–33 are perspective views of frames for use with the presentinvention with braces and corner braces.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENT

In FIG. 1, one embodiment of a window buck 10 has side member meanswhich may include one (FIG. 6) or a plurality of side members. In FIG.1, the window buck 10 is rectilinear in projection with a left sidemember 12, a top side member 14, a bottom side member 16 and a rightside member 18. A window 20 is shown in phantom sized for positioningwithin the window buck 10 after construction of a wall as more fullydiscussed hereinafter. The window 20, as shown, has a left window paneunit 22 and a right window pane unit 24, both of which slide in a track21 attached to the frame 26.

The left side member 12, the top side member 14, the bottom side member16 and the right side member 18 are each formed to have a length 28 anda width 30. The length 28 and width 30 is selected to define a windowopening of the desired size and configuration and more particularly of aheight 29 and a width 31 that is for a standard sized or commerciallyavailable window 20. The width 30 is selected to be substantially thewidth of the wall into which the window buck 10 is to be placed. Thatis, the width 30 is selected so that the internal flanges 12A, 14A, 16Aand 18A are exposed and extend along the inner surface 137 of the wall136 (FIG. 3). Similarly, external flanges 12B, 14B, 16B and 18B areexposed and extend along the outer surface 135 of wall 136.

The left side member 12, the top side member 14, the bottom side member16 and the left side member 18 are each formed preferably of a vinylmaterial that is extruded. However, they may be formed from othermaterials including fiberglass, Teflon, aluminum, aluminum alloys, andother similar materials. The preferred material is low cost andresistant to corrosion while having sufficient structural strength tosupport, for example, the cement when the wall is formed. The preferredmaterial is also one that may be made readily cut such as by a hand sawor hand held power saw. The preferred material is also one that can beformed in different colors if desired.

FIG. 2 shows a side member 32 which has a top wall 34 and a bottom wall36. It also has a first outside wall 38 and a second outside wall 40.The top wall 34 defines an interior surface 42 of the window buck and,in turn, provides a surface that faces toward the interior of the buckwhich is the opening 19 defined by the buck and the window (e.g., window20) installed therein. The inwardly facing surface 16C of the bottomside member 16 acts as a window sill.

Between the top wall 34 and the bottom wall 36 is a plurality ofchannels 44, 46, 48 and 50. Each of the channels 44, 46, 48 and 50 issized and shaped to be substantially the same in height 52 and width 54.Separating walls 56, 58, 60 and 64 are formed in-between the top wall 34and the bottom wall 36 to define the channels 44, 46, 48 and 50 and tostrengthen the side member 32 so that it is structurally strong and hassufficient rigidity to maintain dimensional integrity when in use. Thatis, each channel 44, 46, 48 and 50 has a plurality of sidewalls each ofwhich is preferably rectangular in projection with four sidewalls suchas sidewalls 56 and 58 as well as sidewalls 55 and 57. The sidewalls 55and 57 are also part of the interior surface 42 and the bottom wall 36.

As can be seen in FIG. 2, the top wall 34 steps down to a ledge 62defined by the separating wall 64 and a ledge wall 66 as well as thesecond outside wall 40. The ledge 62, second outside wall 40 and ledgewall 66 as well as the bottom wall 36 together define a smaller channel68 as shown.

The frame 26 of the window 20 is sized so it can be slid into positionon the ledge 62 and for abutment against the separating wall 64 to, inturn, provide for installation of the window 20 within the window buck10 defined by the left side member 12, the top side member 14, thebottom side member 16 and the right side member 18. It may be noted thatthe ledge 62 is spaced a distance 70 below the top wall 34. The distance70 is selected to provide for some dimensional variations in the windowframe 26 while still providing an appropriately sufficient amount ofsurface of the separating wall 64 to facilitate installation usingscrews, nails, glue or the like. The distance 70 is also preferablyselected to be less than the height 67 of the lower element 69 of theframe 26. The ledge 62 has a width 63 that is preferably at least thewidth 65 of the separate members of the frame 26 such as members 69 and71.

In FIG. 2 it can also be seen that the side member 32 has a lowerportion 72 of the first outside wall 38 which functions as an outsideflange and which extends below the bottom wall 36 a distance 74, whichis comparable to the height 52 of the channels 44, 46, 48 and 50. Thedistance 74 may vary as desired by the user to provide for sufficientconnection to the cement wall 76 when the concrete (or the like) used toform the wall 76 dries after being poured. That is, the distance 74 ofthe portion 72 is selected to provide for a rigid attachment to thecement wall 76. It is also selected so that fasteners such as nail 77may be used to secure the window buck to a fiberglass external cementform 79 used to define, with internal cement form 81, a cavity or voidinto which cement is poured to form the wall 76. The finger 78associated with the lower portion 72 of the first outside wall 38 andthe finger 80 associated with lower portion 82 of the second outsidewall 40 extend inwardly in order to rigidly secure the side member 32and, more particularly, the window buck 10 in place after the concretehardens or solidifies to form wall 76.

It may be noted that side member 32 may be formed of an extruded vinylmaterial. When extruded, it may have rounded corners such as the leftcorner 84 and the right corner 86. The rounding of corners is notnecessary. They may be formed in any manner desired to facilitateassembly and construction and an appearance desired by the user.

Referring now to FIG. 3, an alternative side member 90 is illustrated incross-section. The side member 90 has a top wall 92 and a bottom wall94. It also has a left wall 96 and a right wall 98. In the space betweenthe left wall 96 and the right wall 98 is a plurality of channels 100,102, 104 and 106, each sized and shaped to have essentially the sameheight 108 and essentially the same width 110. Each of the channels 100,102, 104 and 106 is separated by a separating wall such as walls 112,114, and 116 as shown. Extending above the top wall 92 is abutmentmember 118. The abutment member 118 has a top wall 120 and opposite sidewalls 122 and 124 positioned to define a channel 126, which may bedimensioned in height 125 and width 127 the same as the height 108 andwidth 110 of the other channels 100, 102, 104 and 106.

The abutment member 118 is positioned spaced a distance 128 from theright wall 98 so that the frame 26 of a window 20 can be received withthe outer wall 130 of the frame 26 being in general alignment with theright wall 98. Similarly, the abutment member 118 is sized to have aheight 132 to provide for dimensional variances in the frame 26 of thewindow 20.

It may also be noted that the right wall 98 has an interior flange orextension 134 which extends below the bottom wall 94 a distance 135selected to provide for secure attachment of the side member 90 to thecement wall 136. It may be noted that the extension 134 also has a beador node 138 formed at its distal end 140 to facilitate secure attachmentof the side member 90 to the cement wall 136. The left wall 96 has asimilar flange or extension 142 sized in length comparable to theextension 134 of the right side wall 98. Even though the extensions 134and 142 are noted to be substantially the same in length, they maydiffer if desired.

FIG. 4 shows a locking member 150 which may be used to interconnectadjoining side members as illustrated in FIG. 5. More specifically, FIG.4 shows a locking member 150 for use in assembling two side members 162and 166 as illustrated in FIG. 5. The locking member 150 is formed touse in assembling two side members 162 and 166 as illustrated in FIG. 5.The locking member 150 is formed to have a first member or leg 152 and asecond member or leg 154 oriented at a right angle to each other. Thelegs 152 and 154 are sized in height 156 and in width 158 to becomparable to the height 52 and width 54 of the channels 44, 46, 48 and50 of the side member 32 of FIG. 2 or the height 108 and width 110 ofchannels 100, 102, 104 and 106 of side member 90. The legs 152 and 154are similarly dimensioned in height 108 and width 110 so that the legs152 and 154 may frictionally engage and be inserted into one selectedchannel 100, 102, 104 and 106, or a selected one of channels 44, 46, 48and 50.

As can be seen in FIG. 4, the leg 152 has a raised portion 160 whichfrictionally engages the interior surface of the selected one ofchannels 44, 46, 48 and 50, or channels 100, 102, 104 and 106, toprovide for a more rigid, secure connection.

As best seen in FIG. 5, the leg 152 is inserted into a selected channelof the side member 162. The leg 152, with the raised portion 160,frictionally engages the interior of the selected channel. Similarly,leg 154, with a raised portion 164, frictionally engages a channel in anadjoining side member 166. The side members 162 and 166 are urged towardeach other and into abutment 168 and 170 with corresponding abuttingedges 172 and 174 formed at an angle 173 and 175 selected to provide forabutment. The angle 173 and 175 presently preferred is 45°. Inasmuch asmultiple channels are provided in the side member 32 and the side member90, it can be seen that one or more locking members 150 may be insertedinto two or more of the channels, such as channels 44, 46, 48 and 50, orchannels 100, 102, 104 and 106, to provide for a rigid connectionbetween multiple channels of adjoining side members of a particularwindow buck.

More specifically, locking members, such as locking member 150, arepositioned in-between to connect, for example, the left side member 12with the top side member 14 and the top side member 14 to the right sidemember 18. Similar locking members 150 are used to interconnect thebottom side member 16 with the left side member 12 and the right sidemember 18 at their respective corners.

Obviously, the window buck 10 may be shaped and sized in height 177 andin width 179 (FIG. 1) as desired. That is, height 177 and width 179 maybe selected to receive conventional or preassembled windows such aswindow 20. In selected circumstances, the user may take a length of sidewall and cut it to a desired dimension to form a window of desireddimensions and assemble it using a locking member, such as lockingmember 150 of FIG. 4 or other suitably formed locking members. After theconcrete wall 76 (136) is formed, a window 20 can be constructed andinstalled in any available opening with extensions such as extensions134 and 142 (FIG. 3) frictionally engaging the wall 136. A window buck10 may also be used in wooden, block and brick walls as well as walls ofother materials.

Preferably, the left side member 12, the top side member 14, the bottomside member 16 and the right side member 18 (FIG. 1) may all be precutand assembled in a carton with the necessary locking members 150 so thata user may simply assemble the window buck 10 on site prior toinstallation. Therefore, the window buck 10 may be easily stored beforeuse because it is disassembled, reducing the amount of space necessaryfor shipment and minimizing the amount of damage occurring duringtransportation to and minimizing storage requirements on theconstruction site prior to installation.

FIG. 6 shows a side member 180 which is shaped to be circular inprojection. It has an interior wall 182 with a ledge 184 so that incross-section it is similar to the cross-section shown in FIG. 2. Thelocking member 186, shown in FIG. 7, also is sized and shaped to fitwithin an interior channel formed in the side member 180. The lockingmember 186 has a left raised portion 188 and a right raised portion 190to provide for frictional engagement within the selected channel of theside member 180. As can be seen, the side member 180 has a first end 192configured to abut the other end 194 when assembled with the lockingmember 186 interiorly positioned within a selected channel. A pluralityof locking members 186 may be used if desired with a plurality ofchannels formed within the side member 180.

It should also be recognized that the side members such as left sidemember 12, top side member 14, bottom side member 16 and right sidemember 18 may be cur and assembled into shapes other than therectilinear shape shown in FIG. 1. That is, locking members having anangle 159 other than 90° may be used to develop geometric shapes thatmay be triangular, diamond shaped, octagonal, or some other polygon witha perimeter. That is, the perimeter of the window buck 10 of FIG. 1includes the length 28 and the height 177, as well as height 181 andwidth 183 for a rectilinear window buck 10 and window 20. Alternatively,side members may be formed in half circle sections or other geometricforms and used with curvilinear or straight sections in-between todevelop a substantially elliptical window buck or window buck of anydesired shape.

Although the window buck is herein stated to be formed of an extrudedvinyl, other materials may be used including, in some cases, aluminum ifdesired. However, the preferred material is vinyl or vinyl-type materialor vinyl-like material. Vinyl is preferred because it is strong yet notbrittle. It can be cleaned, does not need to be painted or preserved andcan be nailed or glued. Also, it can be cut with a saw or similarcutting tool.

It may be also noted that the channels 44, 46, 48 and 50, as well as thechannels 100, 102, 104, 106 as well as channels 68 and 126, may each befilled with an insulation material if desired. Appropriate insulationmaterials include, for example, an expanded polyurethane foam as well asfiberglass materials or any other similar material that would increasethe thermal resistivity to reduce heat loss through the window buckafter construction of the window is complete.

In an alternative and more preferred arrangement, the window buck 10 ofthe invention has at least two side wall members. The sidewall memberseach have a first end and a second end. One of the first ends and one ofthe second ends are formed to connect with the other. One end of theside wall member is a female member 200 shown in perspective in FIG. 8.The female member 200 is formed comparable to the side member 32 of FIG.2 with a substantially similar length 202, height 204 and width 206. Ithas channels 210, 212, 214 and 216 formed in it along with a sideportion 218 and 220 sized to embrace the concrete wall in a mannersimilar to side member 32. The female member 200 also has a ledge 222formed as shown to receive the window after the concrete wall is pouredand hardened.

The female member 200 has a surface 224 facing to the interior of thewindow buck. The surface has three slots 226, 228 and 230 formed in aline as shown. Each slot 226, 228, 230 has a width 232 and a length 234substantially the same and selected to snugly receive correspondingtongues from the male member 240 shown in FIG. 9 as discussedhereinafter. Each slot 226, 228 and 230 extends through the surface 224.The slots 226, 228 and 230 are each spaced a distance 236 selected tocorrespond to the width of channels formed in the male member asdiscussed hereinafter.

The female side member 200 has two ends, which are the same except fortheir orientation. The female side member 200 may come in a length 202larger than needed for a desired window buck and in turn may be cut toform an essentially straight end 238. That is, the end 238 issubstantially planar and presents what could be said to be aneffectively flat surface.

The female side member 200 may be formed with the slots 226, 228 and 230preformed and spaced in a plurality of rows such as rows 237 and 239along the entire length 202 of the female side member. Alternatively,the slots 226, 228 and 230 may be formed on site by cutting using anappropriate tool (e.g. a chisel or drill) or by pressing out fillersthat are formed by making scribe marks during formation of the femaleside member 200 so that upon application of a force (e.g., pressing witha punch or screw driver tip) the filler breaks along the scribed linesto thereby form the desired slots such as slots 226, 228 and 230 orother slots in other rows such as rows 237 and 239. The scribed linesshown by dotted line for the slots of rows 237 and 239 such as slot 235are weakened portions of the surface so that application of pressurecauses the filler such as filler 233 to easily separate and cause thedesired slot to appear.

Referring now to FIG. 9, a side member has one end formed to connect toone other end of an adjoining member. The side member is a male sidemember 240 shown in partial perspective with a length 242, height 244and width 246 comparable to member 32 of FIG. 2. It is formed withchannels 248, 250, 252 and 254 comparable to the channels formed in theside member 32 of FIG. 2. The male side member 240 also has sideportions 256 and 258 to embrace the concrete wall when it is formed.

The male side member 240 also has three tongues 260, 262 and 264extending upwardly from and along the interior surface 266. The tongues260, 262 and 264 are each substantially the same in dimension and have alength 268 and a width 270 selected to snugly register with thecorresponding slots 226, 228 and 230 of the female side member 200. Thetongues 260, 262 and 264 are sized in height 272 to extend into therespective channels 210, 212 and 214 of the female member and to eithercontact the interior surface 276 of those channels or be short of it.That is, the channels 210, 212 and 214 have a depth 278; and the height272 of the tongues is the same as the depth 278 or slightly less so theend 280 of the male member can snugly abut the surface 224 of the femalemember. That is, the end 280 of the male side member 240 is planar orflat in section and therefore can snugly abut the interior facingsurface 224 of the female side member 200 when the male side member 240and the female side member 200 are assembled.

As shown in FIG. 10, the female side member 200 and the male side member240 are joined at their ends. The tongues 260, 262 and 264 together withthe corresponding slots 226, 228 and 230 constitute connection means forattaching one end of the female side member 200 to one end of the maleside member 240. More specifically, the tongues 260, 262 and 264 areinserted into the slots 226, 228 and 230. The tongues 260, 262 and 264are urged into the slots 226, 228 and 230 until the surface 280 abutsthe surface 224. The sides of the channels 248, 250 and 252 all abut thesurface 224 and function as part of the connection means to mechanicallylimit angular rotation and twisting of the female side member 200relative to the male side member 240 and vice versa.

As can be seen in FIGS. 9 and 10, the male side member 240 also has aledge 282 which can be said to be defined and formed by the channelmember 254 and the side wall of the channel 252. In order to have asmooth corner in the window buck formed of two male side members and twofemale side members, the channel 254 is cut to extend a height 284 whichis selected to abut the side surface 286 of the ledge 222 and in turnform a clean and snug corner.

In order to form the tongues such as tongues 260, 262 and 264, the maleside member may be cut on site to create them. Alternatively they may beformed by removing filler pieces 288 and 290 and separating them fromassociated structure such as the side portion 256 and the side surface292 along scribes or perforations indicated by dotted lines.

Although reference has been made to a male member having both endsformed as shown in FIG. 9 and a female member with both of its endsformed as shown in FIG. 8, it may be understood that a side member maybe so arranged or may have one female end and one male end.

As can be seen in FIG. 11, a tongue 300 may be preformed in the channelsand may be simply rotated 302 from the channel in the side member 304.The tongue 300 is formed to be tapered in width. It has a smaller width301 near the top in relation to the width 303 near the bottom. The width303 is selected to form a snug friction fit with a corresponding slot ina female member.

As depicted in FIG. 12, a tongue can be formed in a variety of shapesincluding triangular, rounded 308 or to be two spaced apart fingers orpins 310 and 312. The spaced apart fingers or pins 310 and 312 arespaced apart a distance so that the pins may snugly fit into onecorresponding slot in the female side member.

Referring now to FIG. 13, an alternative female side member 320 isshown. It is comparable to the female side member of FIG. 8 but for theslots 322, 324 and 326 which are all oriented lengthwise or along thelength of the female side member. Of course the orientation of thetongues of the male members would necessarily need to be reconfigured toregister with the slots 323, 324 and 326.

In FIGS. 14–16, four side members 350, 352, 354 and 356 are shown. Eachside member such as side member 350 has a plurality of side-by-sidechannels such as channels 358, 359, 360, 361 and 362 for side members350. The channels 358–362 are similar to those described in more detailin FIGS. 2, 3, 8 and 9. Each side member such as side member 350 alsohas an exterior flange 364 and an interior flange 366 comparable to theflanges or extensions 72 and 82 in FIG. 2, extensions 134 and 132 inFIG. 3 and extensions 220 and 238 shown in FIG. 8.

In FIG. 14, it can be seen that side members 350 and 352 are virtuallyidentical and are oriented and differ only in that they each have aninterior surface 368 and 370 which are facing each other. As best seenwith respect to the side member 352, first end 372 and the second end374 are both formed to be substantially the same. That is, each are hereshown to have connecting means which is female structure 376 and 378configured to connect with male structure 380 and 382 positioned at thefirst end 384 and the second end 386 of side member 354 or malestructure 388 and 390 associated with the first end 392 and the secondend 394 of the side member 356. The female structure is associated withboth ends 396 and 398 of the side member 350. However, the femalestructure of the side member 350 cannot readily been seen because of theorientation of the side member 350 in the illustration of FIG. 14.

The female structure 376 and 378 shown for the side member 352 includesa first groove 400 and a second groove 402. Similarly, the other femalestructure 378 contains a first groove 404 and a second groove 406. Thegrooves 400, 402, 404 and 406 each extend the complete width 408 of theinterior surface 370 of the side member 351 That is, they extend fromthe edge 410 to the edge 412.

In practice, the groove 400, 402, 404 and 406 are formed as seen in FIG.17. That is, a saw blade 414 is shown positioned to cut a groove in theinterior surface 370. The associated drive mechanism for operating thesaw blade in a conventional manner is not illustrated for purposes ofsimplicity. Any convenient table saw or radial arm saw will be suitablefor achieving the purposes as hereinafter described. Mechanisms otherthan saws may be used including grinding wheels and friction discs tocreate a groove in a vinyl material or other material used to fabricatethe side members 350, 352, 354 and 356.

In FIG. 17, the saw blade 414 is shown cutting a groove which is of aselected depth 416. The depth 416 is selected to be more than thethickness 417 of the interior surface 370 of the member 352. Thus thegroove 400 as well as other grooves 402, 404 and 406 can all be formedso that individual slots are defined by the channel walls 418, 419, 420,421 and 422 to provide access to the interior of each of the pluralityof channels such as channels 423–426. The groove, such as grooves 400,402, 404 and 406, is formed by moving the side member 352 on a saw tabletop 427 as the saw blade 414 rotates to make the cut.

It can be seen that a saw can be devised in which two or four blades areoperating so two or four grooves 400, 402, 404 and 406 can be formedsimultaneously with one movement of the side member 352.

The grooves such as groove 400 and 402 are spaced apart a distance 401which is the same as the distance 428 which in effect the height 432 ofeach of the channels of each of the side members such as channels423–426 in side member 352.

In reference to the side members 354 and 356, it can be seen that eachhas tongue structure which is a plurality of tabs or tongues 434, 435,436, 437, 438, 439, 440 and 441. The tabs 434–441 are formed by using asaw blade such as saw blade 414 and cutting grooves which coincide withthe interior sidewalls such as interior sidewalls 444, 445 and 446 shownfor the channels 358–362 for side member 350. More specifically, thetongues 434–441 are formed by making cuts which remove the interiorsidewalls such as sidewall 444–446 as well as the sidewalls 447 and 448down a distance selected to form tongues 434–441. The saw blade createsa slot or groove such as slot 450, 451, 452. The slots 450–452 have awidth 454 which is defined by the width of the saw blade 414 which alsocoincides with and is slightly more than the width 456 of the interiorsidewall 444–446 as well as sidewalls 448 and 447.

The tongues 434–441 each are cut to a depth 458 which is less than thedepth 460 of each of the channels such as channels 358–361.

As seen in FIG. 15, the side member 350 is oriented with its slots inthe first end 396 (not shown) to register with the male structure 388and more particularly the plurality of spaced-apart tongues 462 formedin the first end 392 of the member 356. Similarly the slots not shown inthe second end 398 of the side member 350 register with plurality oftongues 437–441 formed in the first end 384 of the side member 354.Similarly, the plurality of tongues 466 in the second end 394 of theside member 356 are positioned to register with the slots 400 and 402 atthe first end 372 of side member 352. It may also be noted that the slot453 (FIG. 14) creates an extension 468 so that a snug fit of theextension 468 is effected in the window receiving groove 472 as betterseen in FIG. 16. A similar extension 469 is formed at the first end 390of side member 356. Similar extensions 467 and 465 are formed in sidemember 354 as illustrated.

In FIG. 15, the second end 374 of the side member 354 has male structure382 in the form of tongue structure 474 that registers with the grooves404 and 406. The male structure 382 of the first end 384 registers withthe female structure (not shown) in the first end 396 of the side member350.

Since the saw blade 414 is selected to have substantially the same widthas the thickness of the interior surface 370 of a side member and theinterior sidewalls such as sidewalls 444–446 of the channels 358–361, itcan be understood that a snug fit is effected between the tongues suchas tongues 434–441 and the corresponding slots such as slots 400, 402,404 and 406.

In some instances, a user may add a glue such as an epoxy resin or othersimilar material in order to enhance or strengthen the connection ifdesired.

As can be seen in FIG. 16, the side members 350, 352, 354 and 356 areassembled to form a rectangular-shaped window buck. It can be seen thatthe exterior flanges 364, 476, 477 and 478 are shown with a plurality ofdots 480 to illustrate scribes or apertures through which screws ornails may be inserted to secure the window buck shown in FIG. 16 to thewall of an associated form or one of a pair of forms used to define acement wall. Nails such as a nail 482 may be driven through one or moreof the apertures 480 or through the flanges 364, 476, 477 and 478 at anydesired location. The window buck, though particularly useful andsuitable for use with cement walls may also be used in wooden wallconstruction in selected, desired applications.

To install a window buck such as that shown in FIG. 16, the cement formssuch as forms 79 and 81 in FIG. 2 are first provided. Preferably oneform, such as form 79, is installed and positioned. The window buck suchas that shown in FIG. 16 is positioned on the wall at a desired locationand secured in place by nails such as nails 482. Alternately, otherfasteners including glues or anything else to maintain a securerelationship may be employed. Alternately, the buck may be supported bya rebar structure positioned under it.

The other portion of the cement form 81 is then positioned in place andsecured. Thereupon cement is poured into the form to define and createthe cement wall. The cement is poured around and then over the windowbuck. Once the cement cures or dries, the form such as forms 79 and 81are removed leaving an erect wall with a window buck defining a windowopening. Thereupon a window such as window 20 may be inserted into thewindow groove 472 (FIG. 16).

It may be also noted that the use of two sets of tongues 434–437 and438–441 to associate with corresponding grooves such as grooves 400 and402 effect a more stable, rigid relationship to facilitate installation.That is, one side such as side member 356 could be associated andconnected with side member 352. The double slot and double groovearrangement provide for more stable connections so that the assemblyremains freestanding while the user continues to assemble the othersides such as side 350 and 354.

It may be noted with particularity that the window buck of FIG. 16 isformed using two identical members 350 and 352 which have femalestructure such as female structure 376 and 378 formed at their oppositeends. Similarly the other side members 354 and 356 are identical andhave corresponding male structure 380 and 382 as well as 388 and 390formed at their respective opposite ends.

In operation, a user may find it convenient to collect side members ofdifferent sizes in a single collection. That is, a collection of sidemembers such as side member 354 of a particular size may be stored nextto a collection of side members such as side members 350 and 352. Nextto that, another series of side members having height or length 480 thatdiffers from the height or length of members 350, 352, 354 and 356 maybe provided. Similarly, additional side members having other lengths orheights 482 (FIG. 14) may be provided in yet another adjoining storagelocation.

Thus, a user may be able to quickly assemble window bucks of differentdimensions by simply collecting a pair of side members having femalestructure and a pair of side members having male structure. Window bucksof different sizes may be quickly and easily assembled by simplyassembling the desired side members to effect assembly of a window buckshaving different desired heights and widths.

By way of example, one could assume that one desired window buck wouldhave a height 500 of two feet and a width 502 of two feet. Mother windowbuck would have a height 500 of two feet and a width 502 of three feet.

It can also be seen that side members which may be regarded as femaleside members such as side member 350 and 352 may be separately collected(e.g., on a pallet or in a bin) having a width 502 of two feet. Anothergroup of side members similar in shape and form to those 350 and 352having a width of three feet may be separately assembled in an adjoiningor nearby location. Further, a number of side members such as sidemembers 354 and 356 having a height of two feet may be in another nearbylocation. Thus, to assemble a window buck having a height of two feetand a width of two feet, one need only assemble two female membershaving a width 502 of two feet and two male members having a height 500of two feet in order to have a window buck that is two feet by two feet.

To have a window buck that is two feet by three feet, the user needassembly only two side members of two foot height and two female memberssuch as members 350 and 352 having a width of three feet. Similarly, ifa user desired a window having, for example, a width 502 of three feetand a height 500 of three feet, a user could then go to a separatenearby location to acquire two side members such as side members 354 and356 having a height of three feet combining the side members that arethree feet in height with the side members are three feet in width 502produces a three foot by three foot window buck.

The above-referenced dimensions are purely theoretical and are notintended to in fact reflect what the standardized size may be for givenstandardized windows. However, the sizes do illustrate the fact thatdifferent sizes of different window bucks may be assembled by simplyassembling side members having the desired widths and heights to definethe desired window openings. In turn, the number of overall side membersthat need to be inventoried can be reduced or controlled not only by themanufacturer, but also by the distributor as well as by the customer.

Turning now to FIG. 18, a preferred window buck 520 is depicted beingformed by the assembly of a pair of identical first side members 522 and524 and a pair of identical second side members 526 and 528, the firstside members 522 and 524 have the same width 530 as well as the samelengths 532 and 534. The first side members 522 and 524 also have slotstructure 536 and 538 formed in their respective first ends 540 and 542.Of course, they also have tongue structures 544 and 546 formed in theirrespective second ends 548 and 550.

The pair of second side members 526 and 528 also have the same width 552which is the same as the width 530 of the pair of first side members 522and 524. The second side members also have the same lengths 554 and 556which may be the same as or different from the lengths 532 and 534. Thesecond side members 526 and 528 also have slot structures 558 and 560formed in their first ends 562 and 564 as well as tongue structures 566and 568 formed in their respective second ends 570 and 572.

With the first side members 522 and 524 and the second side members 526and 528 configured, as described, it can be seen that end-to-endassembly can be effected as depicted. End-to-end assembly results in thefully assembled window buck 520.

Because the first side members 522 and 524 are the same and because thesecond side members 526 and 528 are the same, the user need only havetwo stock piles or bins rather than four. That is, the user need haveonly a first stock pile or bin for first side members and a second stockpile or bin for second side members. An additional stock pile or bin maycontain third side members all of which are identical to each other sothat window bucks of different dimensions may easily be assembled usingeither the first side members or second side members with the third sidemembers.

FIG. 19 shows an assembled window buck 520 with a first brace 574positioned in the interior 576 defined by the first side members 522 and524 and the second side members 526 and 528. The first brace 574 has alength 578 which is essentially the same as the height of the interior576. The first brace 574 in place stiffens or strengthens the windowbuck 520 to inhibit collapse during assembly and to inhibit deformationduring installation and during formation of the associated wall.

A second brace 580 is also shown extending the width 582 of the interior576 to stiffen or strengthen the window buck 520 during installation andduring formation of the associated wall. A third brace 584 may also beprovided. The third brace 584 is sized the same as brace 580 and may bedesired to strengthen the window buck to assist in resisting twistingforces that may evolve during installation and during formation of theassociated wall. For example, cement may be poured unevenly and stressthe window buck 520 as the cement flows thereabout.

FIG. 19 also shows a shim 586 that may be placed between one interiorsurface 588 and the first brace 574. The first brace would necessarilybe shorter in length 578 to accommodate the thickness 590 of the shim586.

After formation of the wall in which the window buck 520 is placed, thestress or compression force on the first brace 574 may be quite high sothat the first brace may need to be removed by use of force. In sodoing, the surface 588 could become scratched or otherwise damaged. Theshim 586 limits or avoids such damage from the first brace 574. Ofcourse, a similar shim may be used for the other braces 580 and 584.

FIG. 19 also shows the fasteners 592 spaced about the perimeter of thewindow buck 520 for positioning through the exterior flanges, such asflanges 584, 586 (FIGS. 18), 588 and 590, of the side members 522, 524,526 and 528.

In FIG. 19, a carpenter's level 592 is shown to illustrate that in theprocess of assembling the window buck 520, a level 592 is useful toensure installation of the window buck 520 with a level or horizontalorientation of the interior surface 588 as well as a verticalorientation of the side members 526 and 528. Of course, a carpenter'ssquare 594 may be used in assembling the window buck 520 to ensure thecorners, such as corner 596, are truly square or normal.

The embodiments of FIGS. 8 to 18 are preferred because they do notrequire use of a separate locking member to form the corners of arectilinear window buck or to connect the ends of a side member or sidemembers to form a desired window buck. Thus in use, a window buck ofdesired dimensions may be packaged to contain two female side membersand two male side members.

It should be recognized that the window buck of FIGS. 1–18 provides forsimple transportation inasmuch as it need not be pre-assembled. Rather,it may be shipped disassembled with its components shrink-wrappedtogether or otherwise packaged to contain the various side members withor without locking members. Upon arrival of the package at theconstruction site, the window buck components may be unpackaged andeasily assembled at the time of installation. Damage while in storageand before use at the site is thereby minimized. Thereafter, the windowbuck may be easily placed in between the forms that are then positionedto form the cement wall so that upon pouring the cement wall, the windowbuck is in position to make further window construction simple and easy.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the window buck 520 of FIG. 19 havingside members 522, 524, 526 and 528 assembled as shown. A window frame523 is show positioned for insertion into the window buck 520 tocomplete formation of a window. A separate window well enclosure 525 isalso show. It has a plurality of eye shaped openings such as openings529A–D positioned to interconnect with headed fasteners (e.g., nails,screws, rivets, or the like) 527 !-D secured to the side member 528.Corresponding fasteners 531 are associated with side member 526 tointerconnect with openings (not shown) in the window well enclosure 525.Thus following assembly of the window 523 into the window buck 520, thewindow well enclosure 525 may be attached for those windows that will beat or below ground level.

An alternate frame arrangement is shown in FIG. 21. A frame and moreparticularly a window buck 600 is shown having a top side member 602, aright side member 604, a left side member 606 and a bottom side member.When assembled, the window buck 600 will have a height 610 and a width612 which may be any desired height and width for an opening in astructural wall to be formed from concrete.

The top side member 602, the tight side member 604 and the left sidemember 606 are all formed from stock. That is, side member material maybe provided in standard lengths as desired ranging from six foot tosixteen feet. At present the sixteen foot dimension appears to bepreferred and because it is comparable in length to other buildingmaterials and in turn is transportable by trucks sized to transportother building materials. The stock also comes in different widths 614such as for example, four inch, six inch, eight inch, ten inch andtwelve inch. Upon obtaining the desired stock, the user cuts the topsside member 602, the left side member 606 and the right side member 604using any suitable tool. A hand saw will work although it is expectedthat a hand held portable circular saw or other suitable saw will beused.

A bottom stock is separately provided. As can be seen the bottom sidemember 608 is formed with apertures 616 spaced along its length. Thebottom stock is provided in lengths and widths comparable into the stockused to form the other side members. Upon selection of the proper stockfor the bottom side member, it too is cut to the desired length in thesame manner as the other side members 602,604, 606 to form the bottom ofthe window buck 600.

The each side member 602, 604, 606 and 608 of the window buck 600 isformed with a plurality of channels 618–622 as seen more clearly inFIGS. 22, 23 and 24 and as more fully discussed with respect thereto.Top side member 602 has opposite ends 602A and 602 B. Similarly leftside member 606 has opposite ends 606A and 606 B. Right side member 604has opposite ends 604 A and 604 B. Similarly the bottom side member 608has opposite ends 608 A and 608 B. As can be seen in FIG. 21, anopposite end of one side member is positioned for connection to anopposite end of an adjacent side member so that the widow buck may beformed. The opposite ends are connected by connection means such asconnectors 631, 632, 633 and 634 as well as connector 635 which is notshown here. The connectors each have a first finger or extension such asextensions 628 A and 629A sized to frictionally and slidably engage theouter channels 618 and 620 in the respective side members. A secondfinger or extension such as extensions 628B and 629B are similarly sizedto engage the outer channels 618 and 622 of adjacent side members.Although two connectors such as connectors 628 and 629 are shown forconnecting one side member to the adjacent side member, it should beunderstood that more than two connectors can also be used as desired.Two have been found to be suitable to reduce twisting and to maintainalignment of the various inner walls 636–639 of the side members 602–608

The connectors shown effect a frictional lock. It should be understoodthat the connectors may be glued, welded, chemically adhered and taped.In other words, any fastening arrangement is acceptable so long is itresults in connection of one side member to the adjacent sufficient toretain a fixed relationship during the pouring and curing of theconcrete wall.

After the window buck 600 is assembled, it is placed so that a desiredopening is formed when a concrete wall is formed. As shown in FIG. 21,an insulated concrete form has two spaced apart wall members 642 and 643assembled to define the void 46. Each side 642 and 643 is held inrelationship to each other by conventional means including spacers 644.Rebar 645 may be placed in the wall to strengthen the wall when it isformed.

The window buck 600 is placed into an opening cut into the insulatedconcrete form 640 and physically secured in the form by any acceptablemeans such as by nails. With the wall forms otherwise ready, concrete ispoured into the void 646. In the vicinity of the window buck 600,concrete may be poured into the apertures 616 to ensure the delivery ofconcrete to the void space under the window. The apertures 616 also ventany air from under the window buck 600.

After installation, the window buck may be braced as more fullydiscussed herein.

After the concrete is poured and cured, the bracing if any is removedand a window such as window 648 is installed in the window buck 600. Thewindow 648 may be secured in place by any acceptable means including anacceptable adhesive, nails, screws and the like.

FIG. 22 shows a bottom member 650 with its internal wall 652 facingupward. FIG. 23 shows the bottom member 65 0 with its internal wall 652facing downward and with the external wall 654 spaced from the internalwall 652 and facing into the void such as void 64. The channels 618–622are also shown. Apertures 656–660 are shown spaced apart along thelength 662 of the member 650. The apertures 656–660 are sized to bereceive concrete therethrough. Any acceptable funnel, chute or the likemay be aligned with the apertures 656–660 to direct concretetherethrough. In cases where concrete is being pumped, it has been notedthat the output end of the house is typically less than about four andone half inches. Thus the apertures 656–660 are shown sized to becircular in cross section with a diameter of about five inches.

The bottom member 650 also has concrete retention means which is hereshown as a fin 664 that extends along the length 662 of the bottommember 650. The fin 664 has a lip 665 oriented transversely tointerconnect with the concrete after the wall is formed as more fullydiscussed hereinafter.

Referring now to FIG. 24, a side member 666 such as side members 602,604, 606 and 608 is shown in cross section. The side member 666 has theplurality of channels 618–622 as hereinbefore discussed. The channels618–622 are formed by sidewalls 688–691 as well as the outer sides 692and 693. The additional sidewalls may be used to form additionalchannels as desired. Fewer sidewalls may be used so that fewer channelsare formed. However, at least one sidewall is regarded as necessary toprovide desired structural rigidity in use. Further, the channels alsofunction to resist heat transfer. Of course they may also be filled withinsulating material if desired.

As here shown the outer channels 618 and 622 are formed to have a height694 and width 695 selected to frictionally receive a connector as morefully discussed hereinafter.

The outer sides 692 and 693 extend away from the inner wall 696 to formflanges 697 and 698. The flanges 697 and 693 have the wall 699thereinbetween. More specifically, the sides 700 and 701 of an insulatedconcrete form is shown with the flanges 697 and 698 in alignmenttherewith. Prior to pouring of the concrete, flanges 697 and 698 act toretain the side members and in turn the frame with which they areassociated in position. After the wall 699 hardens or cures, the flanges697 and 698 provide a surface to which one may attach other buildingelements and a surface that has an acceptable surface that does notrequire preservation or decoration.

In FIG. 24, an additional flange 702 is shown in phantom. In some cases,it is contemplated that multiple flanges will be, provided so that onemay cut (rip) one channel off to form a side members with a widths 703and 705 that differ. In FIG. 24, a retention fin 706 is shown formed ofan extension 707 and a lip 708. The extension 707 has a height 709selected so that the retention member is positioned securely in thepoured concrete of the wall 699. In practice, it has been found that theheight may be from about one half an inch to several inches. At presentnine sixteenths of an inch has been found to be suitable. However, anyheight will be suitable so long as the fin 706 is firmly anchored intthe wall 699 when the concrete cures or hardens.

The lip 708 is shown to have a width 710. The width may be any desiredwidth to secure the or anchor the fin 706 in the wall 699. It may befrom about one fourth of an inch to several inches. At present a width710 of seven sixteenths of an inch has been found to be suitable andadequate.

It should be noted that the fin 706 is shown to be “L” shaped in crosssection. Other shapes or configurations may be used. That is, the lip708 is simply one means to effect an anchoring of the related sidemember to the wall without the need to use fasteners such as nails,bolts, screws or the like. Upon curing of the concrete, the side membersare secured firmly. Alternated shapes for the anchoring effected by thelip may be used. A separate fin 712 is shown with a hook like anchoringarrangement. Virtually any shape or configuration of anchoring may beused in lieu of the lip 708 so long as the effect is to preclude outwardmovement of the outer wall 714 from the wall 699. It may also be notedthat multiple fins may be used if desired.

FIGS. 25 and 26 show adjacent side members 720 and 722 as well as sidemember 724 and 726 comparable to side members 602, 604, 606, and 608 inFIG. 21. The connectors 728, 730, 732 and 734 are comparable to theconnectors 628–635 all of which are comparable to connector 736 show inFIG. 27. As better seen in FIG. 27, a connector 736 has first malestructure such as finger 738 sized to frictionally insert into aselected channel such as outer channels 618 and 622. The finger 738 ishere shown to be in the form of an “I” 740 in cross section to reducethe material and to allow some flexibility when inserting the finger 738into a selected channel. The finger 738 has a height 739 and a width 737sized comparable to height 694 and width 695 (FIG. 24) to effect africtional but slidable engagement with a channel such as channel 618.In some embodiments the finger 738 will have rounded or beveled corners741, 742 and 743 as shown by dotted line. The rounded or beveled cornerswill facilitate insertion of the finger 738 into a channel such aschannel 618.

In FIG. 27 the second male structure is a second finger 744 formedidentically to the finger 738 and unitarily therewith to extend away ata 90 degree angle 745. A filler plate 750 is attached to an outersurface of the fingers 738 and 744 by any suitable means includinggluing. The filler plate 750 may also be unitarily be formed with thefingers 738 and 744. The filler plate 750 is sized in height 752 and inand width 753 so that when the connector 736 is installed between twoadjacent side members such as side members 720 and 722 (FIG. 26) theedges . . . 754 and 755 of the connector will abut edges of the flangessuch as flanges 697 and 698 (FIG. 24) to effect an abutting relationshipand in turn a smooth connection as shown in FIG. 26. In other words, thefiller plate 750 is sized so that upon installation of the connector736, the corner 758 will be formed to appear to be an extension of theflange edge 760 and the flange edge 761.

FIG. 26 also shows that a side member 720 may be formed of a firstsection 720A and a second section 720 B. A connector 762 shown in FIG.28 is “T” shaped in cross section and sized in height 764 and 766comparable to height 694 and 695 of a channel such as channel 618 sothat the connector 762 frictionally engages a channel such as channel618 and 622 into which it is inserted. The connector 762 has a length768 selected to effect a secure connection in which the bending orrelative movement between section 720A and 720B in the longitudinaldirection or along the longitudinal axis 770 and transverse thereto 772is limited. Thus pieces of the stock that remain after several frameshave been formed can be joined together to form a side member of two ormore sections. The amount of waste material is thereby reduced loweringthe cost of waste removal from a building site and reducing the wastematerial itself so that less material need be purchased.

FIG. 29 shows a frame and more specifically window buck 780 installed inwall 782. The wall 782 is made with an insulated concrete form. Thewindow buck 780 has a height 784 which is less than 5 feet and a widththat is less than 5 feet. In turn the corner braces 788 and 790 aredeemed to be sufficient to brace the window buck 780. An example of abrace 788 and 790 is shown in FIG. 30.

In FIG. 30, it can be seen that a corner brace 791 has a lip 792 formedalong one side to create a surface 794 which is for positioning againstthe inner wall of a side member of a window buck or frame. Along anotherside a similar lip 800 is formed with a surface 801 for contact with theinner wall of a side member. Thus the corner brace in effect insertsinto the inner area defined by the side members to abut the inner wall.Nails, screws or the like 808–811 are then inserted through appropriateapertures 812–815 to secure the corner brace in the corner of the framewith which it is being used. The lip 792 and the lip 800 are normal toeach other and form a ninety degree angle at the corner 816. The bracehas a solid interior 818 which defines an outer edge 820 that extendsfrom the lip 792 at a 45 degree angle 806 and from the lip 800 at a 45degree angle 804. The lip 792 and 800 are sized in length 796 and 798respectively the same. In use the lengths 796 and 798 should besufficient to inhibit movement of the side members. For one brace nowproposed, the length 796 and 798 has been selected to be about 18inches.

FIG. 31 shows a frame which is a window buck 830 installed with fourcorner braces 832–835 and with cross braces 836 and 838. FIG. 31 is anexample of bracing that may be used for windows in which a dimension issuch that bracing every three feet is recommended or typically employed.It may be noted that the corner braces 832 and 833 are positioned onopposite sides to provide bracing on both sides of the involved framesuch as window buck 830. If the height 840 warrants it, more crossbraces 838 may be used. Similarly, if the width 842 warrants, it morevertical braces 836 may be used.

For example, the frame shown in FIG. 32 is a door frame 844 made ofthree side members as shown. In view of the height, more vertical braces845–847 are typically used

FIG. 32 shows a garage door frame 850 made of three adjacent sidemembers 855, 856 and 857 in a manner similar to side members 602, 604and 606 in FIG. 21. The side members 855–857 are secured to each otherthe same as the side members 602, 604 and 606. Horizontal braces 860,861 and 862 are provided along with vertical braced 851–854 due to theextended width of the door and the opening. Corner braces 858 and 859are also provided to stabilize the side members 855–857 and reinforceand strengthen the corners of the frame 850.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments hereindescribed are for purposes of illustration and explanation and are notintended to limit the scope of the claims which themselves recite thefeatures of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A frame for forming an opening in a wall havingan inner surface oriented toward space interior of said wall and anouter surface facing toward space exterior of said wall, said framecomprising: a plurality of side members including a first side member, asecond side member and third side member, each of which side members areconfigured to be assembled to define a frame opening with a framesurface oriented toward said opening, each of said plurality of sidemembers being formed to have: a width selected to extend between theinner surface and the outer surface of the wall into which said at leastthree plurality of side members are to be placed, an inner flangeadapted to be positioned proximate said inner surface of said wall, anouter flange adapted to be positioned proximate the outer surface ofsaid wall, a first end and a second end spaced from said first end, saidfirst end of said first side member being configured for positioningadjacent one of said first end and said second end of said second sidemember, and said second end of said first side member being configuredfor positioning adjacent one of said first end and said second end ofsaid third side member, a plurality of side by side internal channelsformed between said inner flange and said outer flange, said plurality,of side by side internal channels including an outer channel positionedproximate said outer flange and an inner channel positioned proximatesaid inner flange, each of said plurality of side by side internalchannels having a sidewall that is oriented toward said frame opening tobe a part of said frame surface; and connector means for holding saidfirst end of said first side member and one of said first end and saidsecond end of the second side member adjacent to and in fixed relationto each other and for holding said second end of said first side memberand one of said first end and said second end of said third side memberadjacent to and in fixed relation to each other.
 2. The frame of claim1, wherein each of said internal channels of each side member extendsbetween the respective said first end and said second end of each saidside member to present a corresponding plurality of apertures at saidfirst end and at said second end.
 3. The frame of claim 2, wherein saidconnector means includes a first locking member which has a first endsized and shaped for insertion into and for frictional engagement with aselected one of said plurality of channels in said first end of saidfirst side member, and a second end for insertion into and forfrictional engagement with a selected one of said plurality of channelsin one of said first end and said second end of said second side member,and said first end and said second end of said first locking memberbeing unitarily formed to position said first side member at a desiredangular orientation relative to said second side member.
 4. The frame ofclaim 3, wherein said connector means includes a second locking memberwhich has a first end sized and shaped for insertion into and forfrictional engagement with a selected one of said plurality of channelsin said second end of said first side member, and a second end forinsertion into and for frictional engagement with a selected one of saidplurality of channels in one of said first end and said second end ofsaid third side member, and said first end and said second end of saidsecond locking member being unitarily formed to position said first sidemember at a desired angular orientation relative to said third sidemember.
 5. The frame of claim 4, wherein said plurality of side membersincludes a forth fourth side member, said fourth side member beingformed to have: a width selected to extend between the inner surface andthe outer surface of the wall into which said fourth side members is tobe placed, an inner flange adapted to be positioned proximate said innersurface of said wall, an outer flange adapted to be positioned proximatethe outer surface of said wall, a first end and a second end spaced fromsaid first end, said first end of said fourth side member beingconfigured for positioning adjacent one of said first end and saidsecond end of said second side member, and said second end of saidfourth side member being configured for positioning adjacent one of saidfirst end and said second end of said third side member, and a pluralityof side by side internal channels formed between said inner flange andsaid outer flange, said plurality of side by side internal channelsincluding an outer channel positioned proximate said outer flange and aninner channel positioned proximate said inner flange, each of saidplurality of side by side internal channels having a sidewall that isoriented toward said frame opening to be a part of said frame surface.6. The frame of claim 5, wherein said connector means includes a thirdlocking member which has a first end sized and shaped for insertion intoand for frictional engagement with a selected one of said plurality ofchannels in said first end of said fourth side member, and a second endfor insertion into and for frictional engagement with one of saidplurality of channels in the other of said first end and said second endof said second side member, and said first end and said second end ofsaid third locking means being unitarily formed to position said fourthside member at a desired angular orientation relative to said secondside member.
 7. The frame of claim 6, wherein said connector meansincludes a fourth locking member which has a first end sized and shapedfor insertion into and for frictional engagement with a selected one ofsaid plurality of channels in said second end of said fourth sidemember, and a second end for insertion into and for frictionalengagement with one of said plurality of channels in one of said firstend and said second end of said third side member, and said first endand said second end of said fourth locking member being unitarily formedto position said fourth side member at a desired angular orientationrelative to the third side member.
 8. The frame of claim 7, wherein saidconnector means includes a fifth locking member which has a first endsized and shaped for insertion into and for frictional engagement with aselected one of said plurality of channels in a first end of a selectedside member, and a second end for insertion into and for frictionalengagement with a selected one of said plurality of channels in one ofsaid first end and said second end of an adjacent side member, and saidfirst end and said second end of said fifth locking member beingunitarily formed to position said selected side member at a desiredangular orientation relative to said adjacent side member.
 9. The frameof claim 1, wherein said opening is a door opening and wherein saidplurality of side members are assembled to define said door opening. 10.The frame of claim 1, wherein said opening is a garage door opening andwherein said plurality of side members are assembled to define saidgarage door opening.
 11. The frame of claim 8, wherein said opening is awindow opening and wherein said plurality of side members are assembledto define said window opening.
 12. The frame of claim 11, wherein saidfirst side member is a top of said window opening, said fourth sidemember is a bottom of said window opening, and wherein said top, saidbottom, said third side member and said fourth second side member areassembled to form a rectangular shaped window opening.
 13. The frame ofclaim 12, wherein said wall is of the type formed from forms positionedto receive a concrete-like material in fluidized form to cure to a solidform, and wherein said frame is positioned in said form before theconcrete-like material in fluidized form is positioned in said form, andwherein said bottom has vent means formed therein for venting gases fromsaid wall during formation of said wall from said concrete-likematerial.
 14. The frame of claim 13, wherein said vent means includes aplurality of apertures formed in said bottom and spaced apart betweensaid first end and said second end, at least one of said apertures beingsized to receive said concrete-like material in fluidized formtherethrough.
 15. The frame of claim 5, wherein each of said internalchannels of said side members is hollow.
 16. The frame of claim 15,wherein selected channels of said plurality of channels has solutionmaterial positioned therein.
 17. The frame of claim 7, wherein eachchannel of said plurality of channels has a longitudinal axis, andwherein said longitudinal axis of each channel of said plurality ofchannels are in alignment.
 18. The frame of claim 13 1, wherein eachside member includes retention means connected to contact saidconcrete-like material for securing each side member to saidconcrete-like material upon curing of said concrete-like material to asolid form wall.
 19. The frame of claim 18, wherein each side member hasa length, wherein each retention means includes at least one concreteretention fin secured to said side member sized to extend into saidconcrete-like material when said concrete-like material is in fluidizedform and to extend substantially the length of said side member.
 20. Theframe of claim 2, wherein said first locking member has a filler, plateattached thereto and configured to abut the outer flange of each of saidfirst side member and said second side member.
 21. The frame of claim 2,wherein said first locking member has a filler plate attached theretoand configured to abut the inner flange of each of said first sidemember and said second side member.
 22. A window buck for forming awindow frame opening in a wall having an inner surface spaced from anexterior surface, said window buck comprising: four side members forassembly into a window frame that defines a frame opening having a framesurface, each of said four side members having a length and a width andbeing formed to have: a frame opening surface oriented toward said frameopening and sized to have a width substantially the width of the wallinto which said window buck is to be placed, a first end and a secondend, a plurality of side by side inner channels extending along thelength of each side member, each of said inner channels having one sidewall that is part of said frame opening surface, and each of saidplurality of side by side inner channels having one wall common with anadjacent inner channel, said one wall extending away from said framesurface, and each of said plurality of side by side inner channelspresenting an aperture at respective said first end and said second endof each of said four side members; and connector means for holding saidfirst end of each of said four side members to a said second end of anadjoining side member of said four side members, said connector meansincluding male structure formed to frictionally interconnect to a saidaperture of one of said plurality of side by side inner channels at saidfirst end and a said aperture of one of said plurality of side by sideinner channels at said second end of said adjoining side member.
 23. Thewindow buck of claim 22, wherein said four side members include a firstside member, a second side member, a third side member and a fourth sidemember, and wherein said connector means includes a first locking memberfor connecting said first end of said first side member to said secondend of said second side member, a second locking means member forconnecting said first end of said second side member to said second endof said third side member, a third locking member for connecting saidfirst end of said third side member to said second end of said fourthside member, and a fourth locking member for connecting said first endof said fourth side member to said second end of said first side member.24. The window buck of claim 23, wherein said first locking member, saidsecond locking member, said third locking member and said fourth lockingmember each have a first leg and a second leg oriented normally to saidfirst leg.
 25. The window buck of claim 24, wherein each of said fourside members has an inner flange adapted to be positioned proximate theinner surface of said wall, and wherein said first locking member, saidsecond locking member, said third locking member and said fourth lockingmember each have a filler plate attached thereto and configured to abutthe inner flange of each of its respective adjoining side member. 26.The window buck of claim 25, wherein each of said four side members hasan outer flange adapted to be positioned proximate the outer surface ofsaid wall, and wherein said first locking member, said second lockingmember, said third locking member and said fourth locking member eachhave a filler plate attached thereto and configured to abut the outerflange of each of its respective adjoining side members.
 27. The windowbuck of claim 25, wherein one of side four side members is formed with aplurality of apertures therethrough spaced apart between its first endand its second end, said apertures being sized to vent gasestherethrough.
 28. The window buck of claim 25, wherein said plurality ofinner channels of each side member is includes four inner channelsaligned one next to the other in a row side by side arrangement.
 29. Amethod of forming an opening in a concrete wall, said method comprising:providing a pair of spaced apart wall forms for forming walls ofconcrete; securing said wall forms in a spaced apart relationship todefine a wall void for receiving concrete in a fluidized form; providingfour side members for defining a window frame opening, each of said sidemember means members being formed to have: a frame opening surfaceoriented toward said frame opening and sized to have a widthsubstantially the width of the wall into which the window buck is sidemembers are to be placed, a first end and a second end, a plurality ofside by side inner channels extending along the length of each sidemember, each of said inner channels having one side wall that is part ofsaid frame opening surface, and each of said inner channels presenting aan aperture at the respective first end and second end of said sidemember; and providing connector means for holding said first end of eachof said four side members to a said second end of an adjoining sidemember of said four side members; assembling said four side members andsaid connector means with said first end of one of said side membersconnected to the second end of the adjoining side member to form a foursided window buck; positioning and securing said window buck in betweensaid wall forms; putting fluidized concrete in said wall void tosurround said window buck; allowing said fluidized concrete to cure; andremoving said wall forms after said fluidized concrete has cured. 30.The method of claim 29, further including: providing bracing means forbracing the window buck when installed before putting uncured mixedfluidized concrete therewith in said wall void; installing said bracingmeans to extend between selected side members of said four side membersbefore putting said fluidized concrete in said void; removing saidbracing means from said window buck.
 31. The method of claim 30, whereinsaid bracing means includes a corner member configured to attach to twoadjacent side members of said four side members proximate the cornerdefined by the connection of two adjacent side members.
 32. The methodof claim 31, wherein said corner member is a one triangular cornerstiffener.
 33. The method of claim 30, wherein said bracing meansincludes at least one brace member sized to extend between two oppositeside members of said four side members.
 34. A method of forming a dooropening in a concrete wall, said method comprising: providing a pair ofspaced apart wall forms for forming walls of concrete; securing saidwall forms in a spaced apart relationship to define a wall void forreceiving concrete in a fluidized form; providing three side members fordefining a door opening, each of said three side members being formed tohave: a door opening surface oriented toward said door opening and sizedto have a width substantially the width of the concrete wall, a firstend and a second end, a plurality of side by side inner channelsextending along the length of each side member and exterior of saidinner wall, each of said inner channels having one side wall that ispart of said door opening surface, and each of said inner channelsdefining a corresponding plurality of apertures at the respective firstend and second end of each of said side members; and providing connectormeans for holding said first end of a first side member to a said secondend of an adjoining second side member and for holding the first end ofsaid second side member to the first end of a third side member;assembling said three side members and said connector means with saidfirst end of said first side member connected to said second end of saidsecond side member and with said first end of said second side memberconnected to the second end of said third side member to form a threesided door frame; positioning and securing said door frame in said form;putting fluidized concrete in said void to surround said door frame;allowing said fluidized concrete to cure; and removing said cement wallform after said fluidized concrete has cured.
 35. The method of claim34, further including: providing bracing means for bracing the doorframe when installed before putting fluidized concrete therewith in saidvoid; installing said bracing means to extend between selected sidemembers of said three side members before putting said fluidizedconcrete in said void; removing said bracing means from said window buckside members.
 36. The method of claim 35, wherein said bracing meansincludes a corner member configured to attach to two adjacent sidemembers of said three side members proximate the corner defined by theconnection of two adjacent side members.
 37. A frame for forming anopening in a wall having an inner surface and an outer surface, saidframe comprising: a plurality of side members including a first sidemember, a second side member and a third side member, each of which sidemembers are configured to be assembled to define a perimeter with aframe opening and a frame surface oriented toward said opening, each ofsaid plurality of side members being formed to have: a width selected toextend between the inner surface and the outer surface of the wall intowhich said at least three side members are to be placed, an inner flangeadapted to be positioned proximate said inner surface of said wall, anouter flange adapted to be positioned proximate the outer surface ofsaid wall, a first end and a second end spaced from said first end, saidfirst end of said first side member being configured for positioningadjacent one of said first end and said second end of said second sidemember, and said second end of said first side member being configuredfor positioning adjacent one of said first end and said second end ofsaid third side member, a plurality of side by side internal channelsformed between said inner flange and said outer flange, said pluralityof side by side internal channels including an outer channel positionedproximate said outer flange and an inner channel positioned proximatesaid inner flange, at least two of said plurality of side by sideinternal channels having a common sidewall therebetween; and connectormeans for holding said first end of said first side member and one ofsaid first end and said second end of the second side member adjacent toand in fixed relation to each other and for holding said second end ofsaid first side member and one of said first end and said second end ofsaid third side member adjacent to and in fixed relation to each other.